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Influence of supplementary vitamins minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behavior of young adult prisoners fandomised placebo controlled trial Micronutrients Research

Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behavior of young adult prisoners

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that offenders consume diets lacking in essential nutrients and this could adversely affect their behavior.

AIMS: To test empirically if physiologically adequate intakes of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids cause a reduction in antisocial behavior.

METHOD: Experimental, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of nutritional supplements on 231 young adult prisoners, comparing disciplinary offences before and during supplementation.

RESULTS: Compared with placebos, those receiving the active capsules committed an average of 26.3% (95% CI 8.3-44.33%) fewer offences (P=0.03, two-tailed). Compared to baseline, the effect on those taking active supplements for a minimum of 2 weeks (n=172) was an average 35.1% (95% CI 16.3-53.9%) reduction of offences (P<0.001, two-tailed), whereas placebos remained within standard error.

CONCLUSIONS: Antisocial behavior in prisons, including violence, are reduced by vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids with similar implications for those eating poor diets in the community.

Randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Gesch CB, Hammond SM, Hampson SE, Eves A, Crowder MJ:

Br J Psychiatry 181:22-28, 2002 12091259

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